Flying and hip precautions

hi kris, 

the wait is over .... 

I am not sure how to answer your question about travelling 8 weeks post-op - 

looks like you are getting the anterior approach type of THR which have less restrictions than the posterior ones - then there might be the DVT risk - 

as an OT you probably know more about heights etc. than me ... when in doubt, bring a cushion ... 

it sounds lovely and exciting though .... where are you going? 

how are you getting on these days ?

big warm hug

renee

Si went on a cruise at 7 weeks. Sat on sun hairs rather than sun loungers. OK with toilets etc. Talk to physios I should think that they will recommend flight socks. Could you get extra leg room.

The first thing to keep in mind is that everyone heals differently so you'll really only know in 8 weeks.

That said, I think you should be fine 8 weeks after an anterior operation.  My surgeon lifts all restrictions after 6 weeks and I suspect if I had pressed him, he would said it's okay after 4 weeks and more importantly, the restrictions for anterior approach are pretty minimal and wouldn't really be affected by travelling (I was driving again 2-3 weeks after my anterior procedure).  I'm about 8 weeks post-anterior and I would not hesitate to travel.   However, I'm quite sore after sitting in a car for an hour so I would suggest you take anti-inflamatories and pain killers.  Also, on the plane, I'd walk up / down the aisle every 30 minutes.

Best of luck,

Mike

Hi, good luck with your op. I am due to have my first hip done later this year but have only been offered a lateral one (which I think is often called a posterior one as the scar is down the side of the hip/leg).  What part of the UK are you in & what hospital will you have your op in? Thanks

Eight weeks post op - not for me - at 10 weeks post op I found myself back in the operating theatre having a fruitless revision to correct my misplaced insert.  Not every THR goes to plan, some get complications.  Hopefully you won't have any problems, but you never know.

Best wishes

Graham - 🚀💃

All I can suggest is that you ask for wheelchair assistance at the airport. This really makes a big difference considering how long the queues are at check-out.  If my own experience is anything to go by, your husband and sons will also get priority treatment. Well worth it even if by 8 weeks you are walking OK at home. Take a stick/crutch and use disabled facilities where available. Perhaps also

worth checking with your travel insurance.

 

You will probably be fine at 8 weeks,  but as others have said let the airline know and take a cushion or two. 

I would consider trying to get into a premium seat that has more leg room than the regular ones.

And, of course, take your TED stockings/socks for the flight.

You won't be able to do anything about the loo height, so "go before you go" because at least the terminal toilet stalls will keep still. In the air, you can't guarantee that a visit to the little room will be free of turbulence.

It is possible, I suppose, that you could pack a toilet seat riser to use at the hotel at the other end or see if a hospital in that area could give you one to use. Having said that, I never had one at all including in the hospital after my op. As long as I had a grab bar or other stable object to help me stand, it wasn't a problem.

My number one advice? DO NOT cancel the holiday. If you don't go, your family won't go either and, even though they will understand, you will feel bad about it. You don't need that. You will need something to feel great about so go on the trip and have a wonderful, well-deserved time.